Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-08-19

imposing column here to be erected point
ing its grand and noble apex hcavcnward,
shall say in language more eloquent than
words "A tribute of Americans to Ameri-
can valor, and of NcrInonters to Vermont
patriotism, lis the earnest wish of good ma
sonic citizens of this State.
GOV. oRMsBEE's RESPONSE.
Most Worshipfu Grand Master: Sir
To you and the brotherhood of masons of
Vermont was assigned the honorable duty
of laying the corner stone of this propos-
ed structure, an undertaking conceived in
patriotism and love of country, and born in
the attitude of our people for the deeds of
self-denial and daring of our ancestors in
the cause of liberty and freedom of
thought and action, and in the pursuit of a
higher manhood and an effort to free them
selves from foreign control, both tyran
nous and unjust.
The cause for which our fathers fought,
suffered and died was indeed glorious one,
even in failure, but when we cont amplate
the benefcent results and clevating and en-
noblng consequences attending and follow
ing their success, it becomes so to an extent
far exceeding measure or expression.
TO you and to the ancient and honored
y
and highly honorable duty, as the corner
stone is laid well or ill--so shall the struc-
ture be completed and stand against the
skies, towering above these everlasting hills
in defiance of wind and storma beacon
light to the people of the far off future as
they shall struggle to perpetuate the gov
eminent of our fathers perpetual remind
cr to them of their obligations to their an
cestors, and warning should they per
chance ever waver or weary in the per-
Torrance of their duties to State and ma
ton That this duty has been well per
formed entertain no doubt that the I'M
dertaking upon which you have this hour
placed your ancient and honored seal of de
votion, and have sanctioned by your an
cient rites and ceremonies. shall 20 on to
completion, we have great promise and ms
surance not the least of which is founded
upon the part you have this day performed.
And now sir, in the name of the State of
Vermont receive this work so suspicious
~ begun, from your hands. ! thus receive
it aud not alone for the State of Vermont,
but for and in behalf of our sister common
also Mass lchuetts and New Hamp-
shire, who have made such liberal contribu-
ton to the cause III memory of their sons
who have sealed the cause of freedom and
liberty with their blood: and also for and
in behalf of the general government which
has by more than liberal aid espoused the
cause here commemorated and thereby
given To it national character ana
Secuumgto all of her sixty millions of PEG
pie common property and interest in this
Offering to patriotism, this monument to the
bravery and heroiSin of the never to be for
gotten Allen, Stark. Warner, and their
brave and devoted followers.
And | should be remiss in acting my
pleasure if not i'll the performance of my
duty, should | fail here and now to make en-
Titled recognition to and to pay just tribute
of thankfulness to our sister States and the
United States for the interest manifested in
and for the material aid furnished to this
and therefore as the executive
of the State of Vermont and in behalf of
her people tender to them through their
honored and honorable rep es entatives who
have so nobly come to us this day to pay
for their devotion by their presence and to
give increased value to- the gifts that had
preceded them our warmest and most
earnest thanks
And having thus accepted the well laid
foundation work of this monument to both
valor and patriotism from your hand I now
transfer it to the Bennington Battle Monu-
ment association for completion.
Gentlemen of the association: Upon you
is now conferred a great responsibility You
are the chosen trusted servants of the State
upon whom now rests the duty of taking
up this work and carrying it on to compile
ton as in the performance of your duties
YOU are not alone the servants of Vermont
but also the cIstodians and trustees of the
funds of the general government, tale com
of Massachusetts and the, State of
New Hamphire. The honor and good faith
Of the State is pledged that this work
shall proceed without delay, that it shall
be completed as it has been begun with
stability and enduring qualities; this honor
and good faith is also in your keeping.
We expect tn at you will give to this UNI
iertaking your individual and collective
care and watchfulness and that under your
supervision and direction the, work will go
on from base to apex until we shall see
before us completed and wholly finished
such structure as your design calls for
without blemish or defect, and in keeping
with the foundation before us. This we
have right to expect; less than this will
Srieve and disappoint us. In full trust and
confidence now commit this work to your
hands
Gov. Ormsbee then appropriately turn
ed it over to the monument association,
after its inspection and approval by the
governors of New Hampshire and Massa-
chusetts, and it was accepted on behalf of
the association by Hon. b. +. Prescott,
president of day.
The Grafton was then delivered by Hon.
j. w. Stewart, who spoke as follows
The Grafton by Hon. j. w. stewart.
One hundred and ten years ago, this hour,
a little band of hardy pioneers, our fathers,
kindred and countrymen, We're very busy
on yoHder hillside clearing the track for
the on 'oming of the great republic. They
We're men of action; and the time for action
had come. Petition for redress, remon-
STRANGE az inst wrong, protest, argument,
eXpostulation, had all been tried and had
failed and the question between the col
Onies and the mother country had come to
the dread arbitrament of war; and ON that
fateful day England sent her Hessiann hire
lings, with their tory and savage allies, to
lay waste and pillage the peaceful homes
which patient thrift had made in this beau
tiful valley. The brave pioneers met them